Imagine a world without Human Resources. A workplace teetering on the cliff of chaos. The recruitment process is free-for-all, with unqualified individuals. Compensation is a loose thread, leaving employees feeling undervalued and discontented. Grievances go unheard, and a pervasive sense of confusion spreads across the organization.
The work culture promoted by Human Resources professionals is exactly opposite to the description provided. More than a mere administrative function, HR is the vital core of a well-functioning organization. From meticulously crafting a positive work environment to ensuring equitable treatment for all employees, HR leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping the professional lives of the working class.
Manisha Dash (Head HR, APAC at Celigo) is one such leader preventing this chaos and creating a better place to work and grow.
“I firmly believe in promoting a positive workplace culture that prioritizes Respect, Transparency, and Collaboration, contributing to the overall growth and development of the organization,”
A Journey in Shaping Workplaces
Manisha Dash’s path to becoming a leading HR figure is a testament to dedication, strategic thinking, and a passion for nurturing a positive work environment. Her career, spanning over a decade, reflects a continuous progression of responsibility and a commitment to excellence across various facets of HR.
Her journey began at WaterHealth International, where she honed her core HR skills in talent acquisition, employee engagement, and performance management. This initial experience provided a solid foundation in the fundamentals of HR.
Her subsequent role at Deloitte India saw her delve deeper into HR data analysis. Here, she honed her ability to translate data into actionable insights, guiding strategic decision-making for the US Audit practice. This analytical prowess and her focus on employee engagement at WaterHealth became a hallmark of Manisha’s approach.
At Amazon, Manisha Dash’s leadership qualities flourished. She managed a team of 170, overseeing the entire HR lifecycle from onboarding to exit. She was vital in designing and implementing a pan-India employee engagement program, demonstrating her devotion to employee well-being.
Manisha Dash’s recent tenure at Celigo showcases her evolution into a strategic HR leader. As Director of India HR, she shouldered the responsibility for the entire India region—attracting, retaining, and motivating talent while partnering with leadership to drive business growth. She spearheaded initiatives like HR automation and company-wide HRMS implementation, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach focused on efficiency and streamlined processes.
Today, as Head of HR at Celigo, Manisha’s leadership extends across the Asia-Pacific region. Her journey embodies the spirit of continuous learning and growth, empowering her to shape a future of a positive workplace culture.
Championing Innovation in HR for a Thriving Workplace
Manisha Dash has shown a consistent drive to innovate within the HR sector throughout her career.
“Over my career, I have implemented numerous innovative HR initiatives and automation focused on enhancing employee well-being and driving organizational success.”
Manisha Dash adds
One such innovation is the implementation of flexible work arrangements. Recognizing the value of autonomy, Manisha Dash championed programs that allow employees to choose their work hours and location. This encourages trust and has demonstrably led to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
Transparency is another cornerstone of Manisha’s approach. Hence, introducing “Ask Me Anything” sessions facilitates open communication, allowing employees to engage with leadership and contribute ideas.
Annual health checks, vaccination camps, mindfulness sessions, and readily available mental health resources demonstrate her holistic approach to employee health.
Manisha Dash emphasizes the importance of recognizing every employee’s accomplishments through effective reward and recognition programs.
“Our ethos revolves around personalization, ensuring that even the smallest initiative is customized to resonate with employees, enabling a sense of appreciation and connection,”
Building a Culture of Trust, Innovation, and Belonging
Manisha Dash’s career exemplifies a relentless pursuit of innovation within the HR terrain. Her leadership revolves around core values that prioritize creating a thriving workplace.
Core Values:
| Integrity & Transparency: | Manisha Dash enables a culture built on trust and open communication. She champions initiatives like “Ask Me Anything” sessions, where employees can directly engage with leaders. |
| Empathy & Personalization: | Manisha recognizes the importance of individual needs and preferences. Flexible work arrangements and personalized recognition programs indicate her allegiance to appreciation and connection with every employee. |
| Continuous Improvement: | Manisha believes in the power of continuous learning and growth. Her focus on innovation and employee well-being is impeccable, creating a dynamic and supportive work environment. |
Diversity & Inclusion:
For Manisha Dash, diversity and inclusion are fundamental pillars of a successful organization.
| Embracing Differences: | She recognizes the strength that comes from a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. Her approach goes beyond representation, encouraging a truly inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. |
| Collective Strength: | This diversity of thought fuels innovation, creativity, and problem-solving, ultimately driving the organization forward. Manisha prioritizes creating a space where individuals belong and their unique contributions are appreciated. |
Building Teams through Communication, Collaboration, and Foresight
Manisha Dash’s success in building strong HR teams rests on clear communication, a collaborative spirit, and strong leadership. Transparency is essential as she ensures everyone understands their role and the team’s goals through communicating expectations. Manisha leads by example, creating a supportive and inclusive environment where teamwork thrives.
“I encourage teamwork and open dialogue, facilitating regular meetings and feedback sessions to address any challenges and enable cohesion within the team,” .
Manisha Dash
Her approach to HR initiatives is forward-thinking, leveraging her strengths in strategy and foresight. She anticipates future challenges and develops strategic plans that align perfectly with the organization’s vision. Understanding employee needs and experiences is crucial for her. This empathy allows Manisha Dash to develop effective HR programs and policies for a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Manisha Dash doesn’t shy away from change but proactively drives it by implementing new initiatives and inspiring her team with enthusiasm and momentum. Highlighting the importance of discipline, Manisha ensures HR initiatives are executed with precision and consistency while upholding high standards for quality and compliance. This focus on execution allows her visionary ideas to translate into tangible results.
Cultivating Leaders and Leveraging Data for Strategic HR
Manisha Dash’s approach to leadership training is a blend of personalization and practical application.
“I conduct thorough assessments to understand the organizations and leaders’ specific needs, enabling me to design customized training programs,”
Experiential learning is vital, with role-playing, simulations, and on-the-job training allowing leaders to refine new skills in real-world scenarios. Mentorship programs and ongoing feedback mechanisms empower leaders by providing continuous support and guidance. This focus on hands-on learning ensures leaders excel in their roles and achieve the organization’s objectives.
Data is another cornerstone of Manisha Dash’s leadership. “Harnessing HR analytics tools provides me with valuable insights into workforce trends, employee engagement, turnover rates, and other pertinent subjects at an organizational and industry level,” quotes Manisha.
This data-driven approach ensures superior strategic planning and decision-making across all HR initiatives. Furthermore, HR analytics allows Manisha Dash to identify and address any diversity and inclusion gaps, monitor employee demographics, and measure the effectiveness of existing HR policies. By pinpointing areas for improvement and implementing targeted interventions, she ensures that HR promotes an inclusive environment that cultivates employee satisfaction and engagement.
Shaping the Future of HR
“Over the past 13 years in HR leadership, there have been several pivotal moments that have deeply influenced my approach to managing people,”
One pivotal moment was steering a major company restructuring. This experience underscored the importance of empathy and clear communication during periods of change. She learned firsthand how crucial it is to support employees through challenging times while keeping them informed and engaged.
Another key influence was spearheading the implementation of a new employee development program. This initiative instilled in her the value of nurturing continuous learning and growth, where employees are empowered to develop their skills and reach their full potential. Through these experiences, Manisha Dash has polished her leadership style, emphasizing adaptability, compassion, and empowerment as essential elements of people management.
A Passion for HR Leadership Exemplified
Manisha’s leadership testifies to her genuine passion for HR. A firm believer in leading by example, she doesn’t shy away from rolling up her sleeves—tackling challenging tasks, working long hours, and engaging in difficult conversations when necessary. However, her dedication extends beyond broad strategy to the personalized touch.
“Whether it’s as simple as selecting year-end gifts for employees, designing hiring strategies to attract and retain diverse talent, building teams from scratch, or creating customized in-house training programs, I’ve always approached each task with a personalized touch.” Manisha Dash quotes.
These experiences have served as invaluable learning opportunities for her, fostering her professional growth. Furthermore, Manisha Dash actively shares her insights and lessons learned with the broader HR community, hoping to inspire similar initiatives that empower and enrich workforces everywhere.
An Advice to Bridge the Gap for Impactful HR
“My advice to all aspiring HR professionals would be to focus on developing strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and a deep understanding of business objectives,”
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to understand the business goals are crucial. HR must act as a bridge, connecting employee needs with company objectives. Staying informed about industry trends, legal changes, and best practices is essential.
A curious mind and a willingness to learn from every experience in HR’s diverse sectors is invaluable. By embracing this approach, aspiring HR professionals can make a significant impact.
